In a pivotal moment for Taiwan’s political landscape, the Kuomintang (KMT)—the island’s largest opposition party—has elected Cheng Li-wun as its new leader. Cheng, a former lawmaker with a reputation for advocating closer ties to China, will officially assume the role on November 1, 2025. Her victory comes at a time of heightened military and political tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing consistently asserting its claim over the democratically governed island.
Cheng’s election, reported by Reuters and other major outlets, follows a competitive race in which she secured just over 50% of the vote, narrowly defeating former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin and four other candidates. The turnout, however, was notably low, with less than 40% of KMT party members casting ballots—a statistic that has raised questions about engagement within the party’s base.
Despite the KMT’s loss in the 2024 presidential election, the party, along with its ally the Taiwan People’s Party, currently holds the most seats in Taiwan’s parliament. This parliamentary edge has complicated the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) efforts to pass legislation, especially regarding defense spending—a central issue in Taiwan’s ongoing struggle to balance security and diplomacy.
Cheng’s stance on defense has become a defining feature of her leadership platform. Unlike the current DPP administration under President Lai Ching-te, which has prioritized increasing the defense budget with strong U.S. support, Cheng has publicly opposed further hikes in military spending. During her campaign, she made it clear that she does not back expanding the defense budget, asserting that her focus is on safeguarding peace rather than escalating regional tensions.
Speaking at KMT party headquarters in Taipei after her victory, Cheng outlined her vision for the party and the island’s future. “The KMT will make our home the strongest shelter for everyone against life’s storms. Because we will safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait,” she declared, according to Reuters. She further emphasized, “The KMT under my leadership will be a creator of regional peace.” These remarks underscore her intent to position the KMT as a stabilizing force amid the ever-present shadow of Chinese claims over Taiwan.
Cheng’s election is also historically significant; she is only the third woman to lead the KMT, a party with deep roots in Taiwan’s modern history. The outgoing chairman, Eric Chu, did not participate in the leadership contest, leaving the field open for new voices and perspectives within the party.
The election, however, was not without controversy. Allegations of Chinese interference surfaced during the campaign, with KMT vice presidential candidate from the previous year, Jaw Shau-kong, claiming that social media disinformation campaigns had targeted Hau Lung-bin. Jaw’s assertion that these campaigns were orchestrated to undermine Hau’s candidacy added a layer of intrigue and suspicion to the proceedings. Chinese state media acknowledged Cheng’s victory but otherwise remained silent on the matter, while the Chinese government stated that the election was an internal KMT affair and that online commentary did not represent its official stance.
Cheng responded to these allegations with a pointed rebuke, dismissing what she described as the use of the “red label”—a reference to the color of China’s Communist Party—as an irresponsible and “cheap tool for political struggle.” Her remarks, as reported by Reuters, suggest a desire to move past divisive rhetoric and focus on practical governance and party unity.
The KMT has long been associated with a policy of engagement and closer relations with Beijing, setting it apart from the DPP’s more assertive stance on Taiwanese sovereignty. Cheng’s leadership is expected to continue this tradition, but with a renewed emphasis on peace and dialogue—a message she has repeatedly stressed in public statements. “We will be the creators of regional peace,” she affirmed, signaling her commitment to reducing tensions rather than fueling them.
Nevertheless, the broader context cannot be ignored. Taiwan’s government, led by the DPP, strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims and has sought to bolster the island’s defenses, especially in light of Beijing’s increasingly assertive posture in the region. The U.S. has backed these efforts, viewing Taiwan as a key partner in maintaining stability in East Asia.
With the KMT and its ally controlling parliament, President Lai’s administration faces significant hurdles in advancing its legislative agenda. The opposition’s resistance to increased defense spending is likely to remain a flashpoint in Taiwan’s domestic politics, particularly as the island prepares for a series of important elections in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the next major test for Cheng and the KMT will come in 2026, when Taiwan holds mayoral elections. While these contests are primarily focused on local issues, they are widely seen as a bellwether for national sentiment and a key indicator of party strength ahead of the 2028 presidential race. For Cheng, consolidating support within the party and appealing to a broader electorate will be crucial as she seeks to position the KMT as a viable alternative to the DPP.
Cheng’s personal political journey is also noteworthy. She began her career in the DPP before joining the KMT, bringing with her a perspective shaped by experience in both of Taiwan’s major political camps. Her leadership style, described by some as “firebrand,” reflects a willingness to challenge the status quo and chart a new course for the party.
The international community, especially the United States and China, will be watching closely as Cheng takes the helm. Her approach to cross-strait relations, defense policy, and domestic governance will have far-reaching implications not only for Taiwan but for the broader region. As tensions continue to simmer, her promise to make the KMT a “shelter” for the people of Taiwan and a force for peace will be put to the test.
For now, Cheng’s victory marks a new chapter for the KMT and a fresh dynamic in Taiwan’s ever-evolving political arena. Whether her leadership can deliver the stability and peace she has pledged remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of Taiwan—and the world—are watching.